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Blog Post #11

A nation known for peace has recently experienced one of the most horrific tragedies in recent history. In an attack claimed by ISIS, atleast 129 people lost their lives while at least 352 others were injured. Eight ISIS terrorists armed with AK-47’s and suicide belts planned attacks at six separate sites last Friday night. A solemn message from French president Francois Hollande explained how it was an “act of war” and that France “will be merciless toward the barbarians of Islamic State group.” The attack was devastating for France, and the response from the president is somewhat surprising but warranted. France has already responded by bombing ISIS camps, and a disturbing message has been given by an Iraq based ISIL group.

“We tell countries participating in the crusader campaign: We swear that you will experience a similar day to the one that France experiences; since if we have struck France in its heart – in Paris – then we swear that we will strike America at its heart – in Washington,” said a militant who calls himself AL-Ajkrar Al-Iraqi. I don’t want to live in fear but hearing that message from a dangerous group who is not afraid to take action is terrifying. When I heard that statement, I instantly was curious as to what Obama’s next move will be. President Barack Obama, speaking to reporters in Washington, decried an “attack on all humanity and the values that we share,” calling the Paris violence an “outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians.” Obama is also planning on attending the climate summit meeting in Paris.

A sad fact of the terror is that it is the deadliest terror atrocity to hit a Western European city since a series of train bombings in Madrid, Spain killed 191 people on March 11, 2004. The most brutal attack that happened in Paris on Friday evening happened at the venue of an American rock concert. It was estimated that almost 87 concert-goers lost their lives. What initially sounded like fireworks, the audience believed it was part of the bands’ act. The band instantly stopped playing as the terror erupted in front of them. All band members have since been safe and accounted for, and left Paris shortly after the attack.

The sadness and terror caused in Paris will have lasting affects that will be arising in the near future. The retaliation will hopefully not lead to even more innocent lives being taken, but this may be what causes the alliance of many nations to take down ISIS once and for all.